Mathematics

Vision & Aims of the Mathematics Department

Central to the vision of the Mathematics Department at Wildern is that Mathematics is an enjoyable activity in which all students can participate and succeed. We aim to develop each studentâ€™s confidence and achievement in mathematics through regular practice and experience of a variety of approaches and methods. Care is taken to enhance each studentâ€™s level of mathematical thought through practical, investigational, oral, written and problem-solving activities which also provides an appreciation of the nature, scope and power of mathematics.Â

Students are encouraged to use a variety of resources including books, computers, 1:1 devices, calculators and mathematical instruments to enhance their learning. There are also opportunities for individual, paired and group work and students are encouraged to reflect on their learning and progress at key points.

Students are asked to calculate in a variety of contexts and using a wide variety of number forms (decimals, fractions, percentages, negative numbers, etc.)Â so that understanding is deepened and procedural fluency is developed.Â Students are helped to develop their mathematical communications skills through showing their calculations in a linked way and they are encouraged to justify their reasoning verbally and in writing.Â

Students who find Mathematics to be a difficult discipline are well supported, with a variety of early intervention offered to students identified as being in need of some extra support.

Mathematics is an integral part of each studentâ€™s total education and our aim is for all students to leave us as numerate individuals who are ready for their lives ahead and able to use mathematics confidently and competently wherever the need arises.

KS3

Year 7 and 8 students follow the KS3 National Curriculum.Â Investigative skills are developed and accurate use of equipment is practised.Â All students follow a 2 year KS3 programme of study, and sit end of key stage exams in May of Year 8. Â Students are taught effective use of their own scientific calculators and how to use ICT independently to develop their understanding of mathematical concepts.Â

KS4

Students begin studying for GCSE Mathematics in Year 9 and follow the Edexcel 1MA1 syllabus. This will be tested with three terminal examinations in June of their year 11.

During the course the students revisit and extend their learning from KS3 in the five main areas of study:

Number

Algebra

Geometry

Statistics and Probability

Ratio and Proportion

Throughout KS4 all students will be given opportunities to develop their skills in applying their knowledge to problem solving and practical tasks.Â

Additionally 1:1 devices and online resources will be used to enhance learning whenever appropriate. Below are links to mymaths.co.uk, vle.mathswatch.com and the PiXL Maths App, three online resources that we encourage students to use on a regular basis, the logins of which are provided to our students in school.Â

Extra-curricular and Trips

Our students enjoy a variety of opportunities to engage in mathematics outside the classroom.Â

KS3 students can use and develop their strategic thinking through joining the Maths Puzzle Club which runs on Tuesday lunchtimes in room 670. Additionally KS3 students can use their science, maths and technology skills together in a variety of exciting projects through attending the weekly STEM club.

We run an after-school homework club on Tues, Thurs and Fri from 3pm-4pm in room 335 where our Maths Core Progress Assistant is available to help with any mathematics homework. On Wednesday afternoons we have â€śNumber Crunchersâ€ť from 3pm-4pm in room 335 where several members of the mathematics department are available to offer help and support with any mathematics homework or areas of difficulty.Â

In years 7 and 8 we offer entry into the UKMT Junior Maths Challenge for the most-able students in each year group. In years 9 and 10 this progresses to the UKMT Intermediate Maths Challenge. We also offer entry to the University of Southampton Maths Challenge to students in years 7-10 where we have enjoyed some pleasing success in recent years. Year 10 students have the opportunity to enjoy competitive Mathematics through the Maths Feast hosted at Barton Peveril College along with other events that vary from year to year.